Yes. Wildlife commonly moves through the Toby Creek corridor, including bears, deer, coyotes, and cougars. The compost facility is designed and operated with wildlife considerations in mind, including fencing and attractant‑reducing practices.

Construction of the compost facility was partially funded through the Province of British Columbia’s CleanBC initiative, following a successful application by the RDEK. CleanBC also supported the development and launch of the District of Invermere’s curbside organics collection program.

Yes. The facility is fully fenced and electrified for safety and wildlife management. It is not accessible to the public. Ray Brydon Park, which runs adjacent to the site along the Toby Dike, remains open and available for community use.

In its first year, processing took place from mid‑April to mid‑October. During the winter months, organic material is stockpiled and prepared for processing when operations resume in the spring.

Curbside organics collected within the District of Invermere are temporarily stored at the Columbia Valley Landfill during the winter. These materials will be processed at the compost facility once operations restart in mid‑April 2026.

The composting process includes several stages designed to ensure efficient breakdown of material and to limit wildlife attractants:

1. Grinding and mixing
   When the facility is operating, incoming organics first pass through a grinder–mixer. This step breaks down large items, such as bones or dense food scraps, so they are less attractive to wildlife and can compost more evenly.
2. Aerated windrows
   After grinding, the material is placed into long, aerated windrows. These windrows force air through the pile, promoting the growth of aerobic bacteria. Aerobic decomposition reduces odours significantly compared to unmanaged or stagnant piles.
3. Turning and active composting
   The windrows are turned regularly. This ensures even breakdown of the material and keeps the composting process active and efficient.
4. Finished compost
   Once fully processed, the material becomes finished compost.

Some of the animal‑attractant challenges seen earlier in the season were linked to material being stockpiled without full processing. When the facility is operating as designed, grinding, aerating, and turning the material, odours and attractants are significantly reduced.

The District of Invermere will continue working closely with the RDEK to ensure responsible operation of the facility and good stewardship of the surrounding natural environment.

As curbside materials arrive early in the week, processing is planned to begin each Thursday. Finished compost will be removed from the site regularly to minimize attractants and maintain a clean, well‑managed operation.